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The Sydney salon where you come for the hair and stay for the food

When it comes to opulence and luxury, George Giavis owner of The Blonde Room, knows a thing or two and hair is just the start.

What’s the secret to being a great host (in the salon)?

I think the secret to being a great host is being obsessive in delighting your guests. As a colour specialist salon, most of our guests spend at least 2 to 3 hours here, or as one of my regular clients calls it – her “long haul” hair day. It’s critical that I make this time as pleasurable as possible.

How do you entertain in the salon?

I draw a lot on my Greek heritage when it comes to entertaining. By nature we are generous and courteous to our guests. I apply these principles in my salon with abundant food and refreshments. Much of the food comes freshly baked from my mother, Betty’s kitchen.

How do you put your personal spin on things?

I am blessed to have a mother who is a marvellous cook and baker. Her traditional Greek cooking has developed a reputation of its own and it’s not unusual for my clients to call ahead of time to make special requests, she has even had requests for birthday cakes. In the early days, the first news article my salon received was an ode to my mother’s Greek cookies kourabiethes. These icing sugar coated shortbread have always been a firm favourite in my salon.

What’s on the menu in the salon?

We keep long hours in the salon, so it’s not unusual to begin the day with breakfast and a blowout. While we make cappuccinos and lattes, we have a number of wonderful cafes in Woollahra in which to source a breakfast to cater for all tastes. We offer a variety of baked goods too. Our most popular Greek cookies are kourabiethes (shortbread), melomakarona (honey cookies with walnuts) and koulourakia (braided butter cookies with seasame). Our most popular treat, without question though is the Greek dessert galaktoboureko. It’s a delicious semolina custard and filo dessert, drenched in a citrus sugar syrup. My mother is renowned for her galaktoboureko. Another mainstay are our popular strawberry Jam tarts. It is not unusual to serve our busier clients lunch or dinner in the salon, again with the help of the marvellous restaurants in Woollahra.

How do you set the scene for clients?

My salon is located above Jo Malone, so we burn our fair share of Jo Malone candles in the salon. The salon’s lighting comes from a series of antique chandeliers I have collected over the years. We have a number of wonderful local florists in which we source our flowers.

Any styling tips to make life easier?

Less is always more. I am a huge fan of antiques and am always looking for timeless, beautiful pieces to add to the salon’s décor. Once you find a signature piece, the key to styling is to honour that piece. I built the main room in my salon around two 18th century Italian antique mirrors.

Do you cater for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails for clients?

Absolutely. We understand just how precious time is these days, so we try to cater for all our clients’ needs. Again we draw from the wonderful resources of the Woollahra area. Breakfast and a blowout and a martini with an evening manicure are popular catering options.

Martini: shaken or stirred?

Given my penchant for the colour blonde, I have often been called George Blonde, so I guess it’s shaken, not stirred for me.

The ultimate play list?

Chill out music in the form of Cade Del Mar, Buddha Bar, Deee-Lite ad M People.

You’re a stylist, so what’s the perfect party look (clothes/beauty/accessories)?

A Sleek pony or a sleek bob never goes out of style. I loved Jennifer Lawrence’s platinum blonde bob hair at this year’s Oscars – sleek party girl perfection.

Perfect gift for as a guest, should you bring a gift for your host?

Usually something to spoil or pamper the host, like a gift voucher for a massage or facial.

Is it OK to Instagram at the sink, or is (anti)social media, well, anti-social?

I think there is a time and place for social media. Most of my clients are successful people who crave privacy. As a hairdresser I am often the keeper of secrets, so I keep my posting very discrete.

Is it worse for a guest to arrive late or early?

A difficult question, it really depends on the type of host. I have brilliantly organised friends where it would be no trouble to turn up early and other less organised ones who would be thrilled for me to arrive late.

Do you cater for fussy/paleo/gluten-free/I Quit Sugar/no carbs/5:2 clients?

Absolutely. We cater for them all and always try to remember these preferences for future reference.

Champagne or cocktails?

No question – Champagne.

Stemware or stemless glasses?

I have a preference towards stemware.

What’s your cure for a hungover client?

Lots of water and maybe a green juice.

Follow George on instagram at @georgegiavis

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